Fujifilm announces X-E2 - second generation mid-level mirrorless

Fujifilm has announced the X-E2 - its latest mid-range mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The X-E2 gains many of the upgrades seen in the X100S, including on-sensor-phase-detection that underpins the company's unique digital-split-image focus aid. Beyond this the 16MP X-Trans camera has received a series of hardware adjustments and revisions in response to feedback about the X-E1.

The X-E2 will be available from November 2013 at a recommended selling price of $999.95 body-only or with the XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 LM zoom for $1,399.95.

“Outstanding image quality and beautiful design are the hallmarks of the FUJIFILM X-Series experience, and today’s announcement of the new X-E2 shows Fujifilm’s unrelenting commitment to photographic excellence,” said Manny Almeida, senior vice president and general manager, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Imaging and Electronic Imaging Divisions. “With the X-E2, photographers will immediately be amazed by its high-speed hybrid AF with phase detection, pin-sharp image quality, and improved HD movie capture for endless photographic possibilities.”

Award-winning 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II The FUJIFILM X-E2 uses the 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor which expertly controls moiré and false color generation. This is attained by using an original color filter array with a highly randomized pixel arrangement that removes the need for an Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF) that degrades resolution. The image quality in the X-E2 is further refined by the inclusion of the first Lens Modulation Optimizer (LMO) for interchangeable lens cameras.

The EXR Processor II in the new X-E2 more than doubles the processing speed*3 of the previous generation. It is able to harness the information taken from over 100,000 phase detection pixels incorporated in the X-Trans CMOS II to deliver extraordinary imaging capability.

This advanced technology has been made possible by the integrated development of lens, sensor and processor, and is based on the optical performance and characteristics of individual lenses. With each of these components working together, the X-E2 achieves astonishing resolution, extends dynamic range, and reduces noise at high sensitivity.

Fast and accurate focusing The FUJIFILM X-E2 gives photographers and enthusiasts ultra-fast response times to catch even the quickest memorable moments. The X-E2 has a rapid startup time of 0.5 seconds*4, minimal shutter lag of 0.05 seconds, and high-speed continuous shooting of 7.0 fps (up to approx. 28 frames)*5.

With its auto switching AF, the X-E2 combines contrast AF with an improved phase detection AF algorithm that provides accurate capture of low-contrast subjects in low light as well as high-speed responsiveness.

Manual focus made easier Manual focus has been made easier by the inclusion of Digital Split Image*6 technology. This helps the user achieve pin-sharp focusing by simply adjusting focus to line up the four stripes displayed in the central part of the live view. Focus HighlightPeaking allows for an outline in high contrast areas of subjects during focusing, further assisting the photographer in achieving stunningly sharp images.

Classic design and intuitive operation The FUJIFILM X-E2 continues the tradition of the X-Series with uncompromising craftsmanship and classic design that puts the photographer first. The X-E1 features manually adjustable shutter speed and exposure compensation dials, which has been increased to ±3 EV, for easy controls. The X-E2 also allows users to customize up to four buttons on the top and back of the camera to suit their own shooting style.

The X-E2 features a bright and accurate 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder with Fujifilm’s original optical design for a distortion-free field of view. A premium clear 3” LCD screen with 1.04 million dot resolution and reinforced glass gives users high viewing angles and a true view of their subject.

Improved movie performance The FUJIFILM X-E2 shoots full HD video at 1920x1080 with up to 60fps with AF tracking performance for exceptional speed, accuracy and smoothness with a high bitrate of 36Mbps. The X-E2 delivers quick focusing on subjects, even when panning and zooming. With the X-E2, film simulation settings and exposure compensation (±2 EV) can be used during movie recording.

Easy Image Transfer with WiFi® button The FUJIFILM X-E2 includes a WiFi button that lets users transfer high quality photos and movies*7 to smartphones, tablets and computers for easy sharing on social media sites.

To connect the X-E2 to a smartphone or tablet, users can download the free dedicated “FUJIFILM Camera Application” to their iPhone™ / iPad™ or Android™ smartphone or tablet device to transfer up to 30 pictures at a time from the X-E2. The app also lets users download movies, expanding the range of options available for enjoying pictures taken with the camera.

Once paired, users can press and hold the WiFi button to begin sharing images and movies immediately to their smartphone or tablet.

The X-E2 also has an Advanced Filter function and Film Simulation modes to give users a range of creative filters and film effects to apply and achieve unique and artistic looks.

Three dedicated flash models to choose from depending on requirements (EF-X20, EF-20, EF-42)

Protector filters (PRF-39, PRF-52, PRF-58 and PRF-62)

Remote release RR-90

The FUJIFILM X-E2 (body only) will be available in November 2013 for $999.95 in both black, and a two-tone black and silver.

The FUJIFILM X-E2 and XF18mm-55mm (27-84mm) F2.8-4 lens (kit) will be available in November for $1,399.95.

The FUJIFILM X-E2 uses the same FUJIFILM X-Mount as the X-Pro1, X-E1 X-M1 and X-A1, and all FUJIFILM XF and XC lenses work with all X-Series interchangeable lens cameras.

The current Fujifilm lens family includes the following FUJINON XF and XC lenses:

XF 14mm F2.8 R

XF 18mm F2.0 R

XF 23mm F1.4 R

XF 27mm F2.8

XF 35mm F1.4 R

XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro

XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 R LM OIS

XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS

XC 50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS

*1: X-Trans is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation *2: FUJIFILM research as of September 2013. Compared with other digital cameras equipped with 4/3-inch sensor or larger, based on CIPA standards, and using internal measurement methods under high performance mode. Attached with XF14mm F2.8R lens. *3: Compared with EXR Processor Pro *4: In high performance mode with XF27mm F2.8 lens *5: JPEG format: Use a card with SD speed class with class 10 or higher. *6: Digital Split Image is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation *7: FUJIFILM Camera Application for iOS can save movie files up to 1280 x 720

I really wish they would make a flash for this capable of high speed sync. My Canon flashes do this allowing me to use flash all the way up to 1/8000 of a second. I also wish they would put a sync cord terminal in these for studio work.

The X100/X100s have built-in ND filters I believe, not the X-E1 because its an inter-changeable lens camera. As for wide-open at f1.4, maybe not using this camera in bright sun-light but at lower light levels where such a large aperture would be useful, not an issue.

I'm strangely unmoved. Having recently shot the Panasonic G-6 and GX-7 back to back in studio with the xpro-1, there is nowhere near enough gap in performance these days for there to be a strong argument for APS C superiority. The xpro optical finder is different enough and useful enough to fill a real niche.

Perhaps in a studio using strobes the differences are between any large sensor camera is not huge . But in natural light at higher ISOs the Fujifilm X cameras are class leading, and at base ISO they produce some cleanest, most beautiful files out of all crop sensor cameras.

DOF is a bit more shallow than m43 which is nice, JPEG engine is superb, and the shutter sound is like sweet music.

It says this figure is as: "of September 2013. Compared with other digital cameras equipped with 4/3-inch sensor or larger, based on CIPA standards, and using internal measurement methods under high performance mode. Attached with XF14mm F2.8R lens."

Whether or not this CIPA test has anything much to with normal shooting conditions is another matter.

"based on CIPA standards" is not equal to "according to CIPA standard #####". And even then... you are right about applicability.I suspect they list the AF confirmation (from prefocused) speed on high-contrast black-and-white target in bright light. And 14/2.8! Totally irrelevant. Please give me a test with mannequin head moving at 3-4 m/s on a circle filling the frame at 90mm equivalent, tested around 80 mm-e (long end of standard zooms, short end of tele zooms) on a tripod slightly shaking at 10Hz (to simulate handholding but exclude variability of hands and no human tracking - just camera's tracking).

While I admire all these new niche camera each with their quirky feature sets and small collection of lens but their price points always leave me cold. Especially when you look at the lens prices - what is the point of an interchange lens camera if there are few lens, no third party lens and they are more expensive than their SLR peers.

$1400 would buy you a Canon 70D a Nikon 7100 or a Sony A77. You would have 10 times more lens options - including 3rd party lens.

Some people surely need a vast selection of lenses, or longer tele options, but I think for most hobbyists the Fuji lens range hits the sweet spots pretty well. I find the Fuji lenses to be very close iQ-wise to Canon lenses that cost double, give or take.

Fuji doesn't have the low end options that Canon offers, but they are not trying to offer all things to all people.

Fuji's 18-55 is a very high-quality lens, and many people would be quite content with that and the XE-2. No need to have a million lenses if what Fuji offers A) is high quality and B) suits your needs.

That said, -100 for Fuji for not making the rear LCD tilting :(Guess I'll stick with my XE1.

Its a question of how much additional time you want to spend on post. LR can get there, you just have to spend a bit more time with it. Or, buy plenty of other apps that provide initial renders that require very little to no additional work.

Francis, it looks like the controls are the same ason the XE-1, which I have, and ergonomically it all works nicely.One area for improvement did alas not happen: ideally the exposure compensation dial should have a lock button in the middle. I sometimes accidently turn mine.